Giving Thanks...

I love to cook, and to eat!
But after this weekend I had no idea that preparing a meal with someone that you Love could be so much fun! I am amazed every time I think about this last weekend in Paso Robles.

Thanks to the Ellis Family for their hospitality,
Thanks to the Paso Robles Community Church for getting to know me,
Thanks to my parents for letting me borrow their car to make the drive,
Thanks to Dale and Helen for their spunk and encouragement,
Thanks to God for all of the subtle gifts and visions He reveiled to us,
Thanks for so many other friends who warmly contributed to our weekend,

and thanks to the Love of my life for being herself, in all glory and splendor and beauty!

Thanks be to God!

a gift from God...

So I was trying to look out for a dear friend of mine back in the Spring of this year, I prayed about it and after some time and discernment God gave me an answer. I choose to follow through and act in line with this direction.

Many months later I have been blessed with an African plate carved from soap stone, painted with deep rich colors, and etched with three giraffe's, a tree, and a rock. She gave me this gift.

The Symbolism is profound, not intended by the gift giver, but I am truly blessed and thankful for the intentional significance from The Great Gift Giver. God knows how to let his children participate in his work, and it is even better when they get to see what He has just done by virtue of their act of giving.

I love the special irony, the unique affinity, and the token of appreciation. Even more so I am grateful.

I have so many gifts and treasures coming to me this week, especially since my birthday is tomorrow. To me, this feels like a simple acknowledgement from God that he knows how much I delight in being thankful and grateful to Him, and to others.

All of this, the thoughts and feelings, the anxiety and anticipation, the hopes and the dreams, seem to illuminate my joy to me. Gifts really do bring out the best in people, not only in the givers but truly the best gifts draw out those who would honor and cherish the acceptance of a gift. A truly good gift reveals the heart of those who both give and receive.

Thank you my friends,
Thank you Lord,

May I be worthy of such a gift.

for a friend...

This is for Arcadi,

I miss our time together, the beers, the food, the talks, and just time to work out our ideas and issues.

It has been in the 80's this week, and I am still going to bed with the air conditioner on most nights, I hope the snow holds off for you as long as possible for you and your wife to enjoy the new England fall, but than again, it might be better to bring on the bitter cold so that you can cuddle up more closely to your sweetie.

I'm sorry that I'm behind on the whole support thing, I will get it figured out, but until than, I am just a lame, over busy, well intentioned friend. But I do know that the accounting department at GC probably won't credit your account with my good intentions.

I found a Mexican restaurant that we would have enjoyed together, if we knew it existed, it is actually in the Stater Bros. shopping center across from your old apartment. The chips remind me of TACO SHACK, you know... the Mexican joint on Whittier Blvd. where Riley would always get a hamburger.

Please send my love to your better half, and tell her that I am still praying for her sister. Are you and her going home for the holidays? If so, which home? CA or ND? or Both?

I might try to visit Michigan this Christmas to visit the Perini's, and I am hoping to bring someone for them to meet, but we'll see about the details I may decide to spend my money on something a little more engaging, if you know what I mean.


well, I don't quite know what makes a good blog, I hope it's not just semi personal things being made public. I do hope it is another opportunity to connect with my community and for you to feel a sense of belonging.


Yours Truly,



p.s. one week until my birthday (that was for everyone else!)